TESTING
SlipGuard assess the slip resistance of a floor's surface in both dry and wet conditions. We identify a floor's surface type and select the anti-slip solution best suited for the floor type.
Following an onsite test, a comprehensive report is produced and copies are distributed to all relevant personnel within 48 hours. The results form a scientific measure of floor safety. Our report will include all slip resistance results for the areas tested. Floor areas that show cause for concern, that are found to be hazardous or to become hazardous when contaminated, are highlighted.
Wet Pendulum Testing
The Wessex Pendulum skid resistance tester utilises a pendulum rubber slider making contact with the test surface over a prescribed distance. It measures the quantity of resistance to the motion of the pendulum created by the contact over a distance of 126mm.
The rubber slider is firstly conditioned with a P400 wet and dry sandpaper and then with a sheet of M 261X Lapping Film Grade 3MIC.
How does it work?
Testing to evaluate the frictional characteristics of the surface shall be carried out on a horizontal surface where possible. If this is not practicable, the direction of swing should preferably be across the slope rather than up and down the slope. When testing surfaces that are textured or high profiled the test program should reflect both the predominant direction of pedestrian traffic and the direction of the lowest slip resistance. The slip resistance value (SRV) is the mean British Pendulum Number (BPN) as tested. It is calculated over the course of five averaged tests. The test result is based on the test area being tested in 5 different locations L1-L5. For preparation, the test area was swept clean of debris then cleaned with a soft brush and an appropriate cleaning agent depending on the type of contamination to be removed. The test location is then sprayed with water and a minimum of 5 test swings are performed, the area is rewetted before each swing. The swing values are recorded until the last three values differ by no more than three units of the scale. The average of these three values is rounded to the nearest whole number and recorded as the slip resistance value (SRV) for the test location. The location SRV’s are then averaged to give the test area it’s Mean SRV
Dry Floor Testing
Over the last 20 years the TORTUS has become the preferred testing equipment to establish the required coefficient of friction as outlined in Australian standard AS4663-2013.
The TORTUS is established globally as an essential part of risk management policies in the following areas:
- Local authorities
- Shopping malls and supermarket chains·
- Airports, bus and train stations·
- Commercial buildings and strata areas·
- Fast food chains and restaurants·
- Floor surface manufacturers·
- Hotels, motels and lodges·
- Sporting surfaces·
- Petrol stations and vehicle showrooms
It is used in the following ways:
- Assessing floor safety
- Evaluation of floor cleaning materials Checking effectiveness of maintenance and cleaning procedures
- Accident investigations Evidence for litigation purposes
